Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Beef Noodle Casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish perfect for family dinners. With tender egg noodles baked in a rich, creamy tomato and ground beef sauce, it’s a hearty meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
- 12 ounce bag egg noodles
- 2 Tablespoons butter (can use salted or unsalted)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 14 ounce can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (can use regular or leave it out)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
- Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles until just tender according to package directions, then drain and set aside. Avoid overcooking since they will cook more in the casserole.
- Step 3: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and green bell pepper, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Step 4: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook until fully browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Step 5: Stir in diced tomatoes with juices, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Step 6: Lower the heat. Mix in softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 7: Combine the cooked noodles with the sauce in the skillet, tossing to coat the noodles evenly. Pour into the prepared baking dish.
- Step 8: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Bake uncovered on the middle rack for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 9: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired, then enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter variation.
- Add mushrooms or zucchini for extra veggies.
- Swap smoked paprika for regular paprika or omit if you prefer less smoky flavor.
- For extra cheesiness, stir some shredded mozzarella into the sauce before baking.
- Make it ahead by assembling and refrigerating, then bake when ready to serve.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can freeze the casserole before baking for up to 1 month—thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, sturdy pastas like penne, rotini, or shells work well as alternatives to egg noodles.
Do I have to use cream cheese in the sauce?
The cream cheese adds a rich creaminess, but you can substitute with ricotta or omit it for a lighter sauce, though texture and flavor will slightly change.
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Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Beef Noodle Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender egg noodles combined with a rich and creamy tomato-based ground beef sauce. Topped with melted mozzarella cheese and baked to bubbly perfection, it’s perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounce bag egg noodles
Sauce and Meat
- 2 Tablespoons butter (can use salted or unsalted)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 14 ounce can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (can use regular or leave it out)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Creamy Additions and Cheese
- 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until just tender, taking care not to overcook. Drain well and set aside to prevent sogginess during baking.
- Sauté Vegetables and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Continue cooking until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the diced tomatoes with juices, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5-7 minutes to meld the flavors and thicken slightly.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and mix in the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine Noodles and Sauce: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the sauce, tossing well to ensure all noodles are thoroughly coated with the creamy beef mixture.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the noodle and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole uncovered on the middle rack of the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the noodles before baking to avoid mushy texture.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor, but it can be omitted if preferred.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- For a lower fat version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and mozzarella.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: beef noodle casserole, baked noodle casserole, creamy beef pasta bake, comfort food casserole, family dinner recipe
